IRVING, Texas - The City of Irving has secured $70 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board to move forward with major flood mitigation improvements aimed at reducing long-standing flood risks across the city.
City officials said the funding package combines $51.25 million in zero-interest financing with $18.75 million in direct grant funding. By eliminating interest costs on the financed portion, Irving expects to save approximately $27 million over the life of the project, allowing the city to complete additional infrastructure improvements without increasing local debt.
The funding will be used primarily to accelerate upgrades to the Delaware Creek Channel, one of Irving’s largest and oldest drainage systems. The channel has historically struggled to handle heavy rainfall, contributing to flooding that affects nearby homes, businesses, and roadways. The planned improvements are designed to significantly increase drainage capacity, improve water flow during major rain events, and enhance overall system reliability.
According to the city, the Delaware Creek project will include excavation of roughly 10,000 linear feet of existing concrete channel lining, construction of new reinforced concrete bottom lining and side walls, replacement of five aging concrete box culverts, and removal of one road crossing that currently restricts water flow. Crews will also relocate water and sewer lines to ensure long-term system stability and reduce the risk of future service disruptions.
City leaders said the scale and structure of the award allows Irving to move faster on critical flood control work that might otherwise have been delayed due to cost constraints. The Delaware Creek improvements are expected to provide long-term protection for surrounding neighborhoods while strengthening infrastructure that supports daily transportation and utility services.
With this second round of Texas Water Development Board funding, Irving has now received a total of $115 million in state-supported flood mitigation assistance. Officials said that level of support places the city among the largest recipients of flood infrastructure funding in Texas and reflects the severity of flooding challenges in the area, as well as the city’s readiness to deliver large-scale projects.
The city is also preparing its next funding request, seeking $35.6 million for the North Delaware Creek Phase 2 Project. That application is part of Irving’s broader strategy to modernize drainage infrastructure citywide, reduce flood risks in vulnerable areas, and improve long-term resilience as extreme weather events become more frequent.
City officials emphasized that the Delaware Creek upgrades represent a key step in protecting residents, preserving property, and ensuring critical infrastructure can withstand future storms.
